In short: new event and just about perfect first time out of boxIn full: can't think of much that could have been better. lots of parking, stress free number pick up, decent start area, nice route, drinks a plenty all way round, good support, nice finish. i found the route really nice, yes out and back but vehicle free on a countryside path. I wouldnt change a thing.Date of review: June 1, 2010

In short: well organised, great medal/tee shirt, flat and massive PB potential.In full: Enjoyed this my 4th marathon alot, and as its now my local marathon will hopefully be doing it every year. Very well organised, nice medal and tee shirt and enjoyed the refreshers bar (old school) at the finish.I run part of the route regularly on training runs so knew how boring the cycle path run can be, but trust me it feels alot better running with another 999 runners so the route wasn't as bad as expected.Overall a great race.Date of review: June 1, 2010

In short: Flat fast with plenty of spectator placesIn full: Everything went smoothly, parking attendants, registration, start off, marshalls, lead cyclists, finish goody bags, water, toilets, showers, I was really impressed by the organisation. The lead cyclist next to me did a great job of making sure everyone kept to the right side of the cycle path (it was a there and back race).Date of review: June 1, 2010

In short: really enjoyed itIn full: an out and back route never pleases everybody but I enjoyed it. Marshalls were excellent, drink stations were just right and organisation was just perfect. For the 1st Chester Marathon well done all involvedDate of review: June 1, 2010

In short: Fast, flat, but the route was unimaginative.In full: Any new marathon is good news in my book and the Chester Marathon should be welcomed.

The event was faultlessly organised, and the runners were well looked after in their quest to complete 26.2 miles.

Even the perennial problem of sufficient toilets before the start wasn't an issue at Chester. They seemed to have thought of everything.

My only criticism was the marathon route. A couple of loops around minor roads used up the first 4 miles, then 20 or so miles of Greenway (tarmaced paths on a former railway line) literally taking you on a 10 mile dog-leg! It may have been flat, but it was mentally tough and pretty boring. On thing that normally gets me through the marathon distance is being distracted by your surroundings and the variety of terrain. Today's marathon was punctuated by clusters of supporters to cheer you through but there wasn't much else I'm afraid.

I know that staging a marathon is a fine balance to ensure that the impact of road closures and on Sunday shoppers is minimised, but it would have been fantastic to have route the marathon through the historic city centre and take in the many sights. It may have jeopardised the chance of a PB, but would have made the event so much more memorable.

In short: the most boring race in the world ever!In full: i know people have said this was great, fantastic etc stc, but alhough it was seemingly organised ok etc,but this was a depressing,completely boring race, running on a cycle path for near 24 miles was depressing, getting abuse from people on bikes wasnt my idea of fun, sorry but this really wasnt a good race and i know i wasnt the only peeved of punter!Date of review: May 31, 2010

In short: Congratulations to the organisers, 1st class event ran smoothly. PB potential aplentyIn full: As a first-timer, this was a great intro to marathon running. Really smooth organisation, a great course (very flat and fast), some good pockets of support and friendly field all giving it their best. Nice touches like the handshake and congratulations with the medal, the brilliantly friendly marshalls and locals and a decent medal, t-shirt and goody bag. No shortage of drinks on a humid day either - now I've gone the distance, I've learnt a lot about salt/cramping (like many others in the later stages), but that's the nature of this marathon beast I guess. Good stuff from the organisers, thanks a lotDate of review: May 31, 2010